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After the club confirmed Tottenham Hotspur will open 2021/22 season ticket renewals on Monday 12 April, chairman Daniel Levy has sent a message to Lilywhites supporters as Spurs anticipate finally welcoming supporters back for next campaign. 

As part of the government’s plan to ease the country out of lockdown, clubs across England have been announcing season ticket renewal options for 2021/2022 as Premier League sides hope to be boosted by the welcome return of income from matchday revenue.

Levy sends message to Tottenham fans

Tottenham have now confirmed their renewals will open on Monday next week, and after the official club development, chairman Levy has sent a message to supporters in gratitude for their patience.

In a teasing declaration on the club’s website, Levy explained as part of his statement: “We are proud of our passionate and loyal fanbase and we cannot wait to see you back in the stadium where you belong as soon as possible.

“This vision has seemed like a distant possibility on so many occasions, yet we have never given up hope that we would one day be in a position to say, with a degree of certainty, it is time to welcome you all back home.”

Transfer Tavern take

Spurs supporters were briefly allowed back at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium as part of the old government tier system, with 2,000 fans in attendance for the north London derby back in December.

It has been over a year since the stadium has been at full capacity, however, and the Lilywhites potentially welcoming back supporters properly next season comes as a big boost for the club financially and for fans who want to see their team live.

In other news: Tottenham turn to ‘very talented’ unseen Spurs youngster after blow, find out more here.

Premier League side Aston Villa are reportedly interested in signing Fenerbahce centre-back Attila Szalai.

There seems to be no shortage of interest in the defender, with Lazio and Napoli interested, along with other Premier League outfits like Leicester City and Newcastle United.

Fenerbahce want £21.5m for Szalai

Hungarian outlet Blikk have reported about Szalai, stating that the defender is attracting plenty of suitors from across Europe and Fenerbahce want a fee of £21.5 million to part ways with him. This could make the 23-year-old the most expensive Hungarian player in the game’s history.

The report claims: “His outstanding performances have also attracted the interest of top European clubs. Among others, Leicester City are third English club interested, Newcastle United and Aston Villa in the UK are also interested. Napoli and Lazio in Italy are competing for him.”

Szalai has made 15 appearances in the Turkish league this season, scoring two goals already and picking up a rating of 7.00. The defender stands six foot and two feet tall and he has won 2.7 aerial duels per game, making 1.3 tackles per game as well for the side.

Szalai would add depth to the Villa back line

As things stand, Dean Smith’s men have four out-and-out centre-back options – Ezri Konsa, Kortney Hause, Tyrone Mings and Bjorn Engels (as per Transfermarkt).

Engels though, has been linked with a move away from the club as Royal Antwerp are interested in the defender. So signing another defender could make sense in the summer, especially if Engels does leave. As his departure could leave Smith’s men short in the centre-back department.

In other news, ‘There will be no impact’ – Kieran Maguire gives his verdict following key AVFC financial update

Rob Lee has dropped a quite worrying claim on Newcastle United involving the Premier League’s decision to aim to have fans in the stadiums this season.

The top flight are hoping that fans will be allowed back into St. James’ Park for the North East club’s final home game of the 2020/21 term against Sheffield United.

Speaking to Football FanCast, Lee has claimed that having supporters back inside the stadium ‘could go either way’, but also admitted that it could be ‘detrimental’ to the Tyneside club’s players as the Blades will know that they can go there and quieten the crowd:

“I think it could go either way but the fans will 100% be behind the team from kick-off. However, Sheffield United will know if they go there and can quieten the crowd then it could be detrimental to the Newcastle players.

“Kevin Keegan used to say to us in the first 10-15 minutes go out and entertain the crowd and get them on your side and then they’ll be behind you for the entire match.

“That’s what Newcastle fans want to see right from the off their team flying into players, pressing the opposition and creating chances and then they’ll get behind you.”

Fans need to get behind Newcastle

If fans are to be allowed back into the ground for that match, every single Magpie will need to get behind the team as it could well turn out to be a vital moment in their season.

The Toon are currently in a relegation battle, and no matter what fans think of Steve Bruce, projecting that frustration onto the players could prove costly.

As Lee points out,  the Toon Army can have a huge impact one way or the other, and it is indeed worrying to think what could happen if it goes the wrong way.

In other news, find out which Newcastle ace ‘will leave this summer’ according to one pundit here!

Speaking to Football Insider, pundit Danny Mills has fired a warning to West Ham United and David Moyes surrounding the future of star midfielder Declan Rice after talkSPORT host Jim White revealed that GSB value him in excess of £100 million. 

Mills, in an interview with the outlet, claims West Ham could face a battle to keep hold of Rice if a suitor offers to increase his salary and if the Hammers don’t qualify for Champions League football – with a potential Europa League place maybe not enough to keep him according to the pundit.

Mills fires warning to West Ham and Moyes

Indeed, despite West Ham being his ‘boyhood’ club, Mills has fired a warning to Moyes that Rice could leave if the Scot fails to guide his team into the top four.

This comes after talkSPORT host White claimed that GSB and co wouldn’t entertain offers below £100m for the player, but despite this, Mills is still convinced certain factors could result in his exit.

“It becomes about ambition and there will be a financial element to it,” explained Mills to Football Insider.

“When somebody says they’ll double your wages for five years, it doesn’t matter if you’re earning £50,000-a-week or £250,000-a-week when somebody says they’re going to double it that’s huge, it’s an absolutely enormous change in lifestyle.

“West Ham have still got to go some to get in the Champions League.

“Would the Europa League be enough of a carrot to play for your boyhood club? I’m not convinced. Champions League – possibly.

“If he had other offers I’m not sure playing in the Europa League would be enough to keep him there.”

Transfer Tavern take

Time will tell whether he his eventually swayed with a move away from east London, but any interested party would have to fork out a hefty price tag according to White.

Losing Rice would certainly hurt fans if it happens, but could £100m to put towards improving the squad make them feel better?

In other news: ExWHUemployee has revealed interest, find out more here.

Newcastle United legend Rob Lee has told Football FanCast exclusively,that Geordies just want to be entertained by the team and will forgive and forget not winning anything.

Lee played under Kevin Keegan and Sir Bobby Robson who were managers during Newcastle’s golden era but didn’t win any major trophies. However, fans still only have fond memories of both managers and would not trade those memories for anything.

Under Keegan, Newcastle were known as the entertainers; however, now they are an unattractive team to watch and have been for a number of years with their gameplan being not to lose.

The Magpies have become a relegation candidate regularly under Mike Ashley, something Lee still can’t believe considering how the teams played during his successful spell on Tyneside.

Steve Bruce’s side sit second bottom of the possession table this season, only West Bromwich Albion have enjoyed less time with the ball. However, Lee knows the manager is not the problem.

The former Newcastle midfield told Football FanCast how things have changed under managers and specifically, the owner; he said:

“Since I’ve known them they’ve always wanted to play good football. You know, we lost the title in 1996 and we should have won it but they saw some unbelievable football. People still remember that football.

“For the Keegan years, and Bobby Robson, they didn’t win anything but they saw great football and you know, they were happy.

“You’re right we can’t compete with Brighton. Keep going back to when I played, but nobody came to St James’s Park and played us off the park, no one. I don’t think I can remember an unentertaining game at St James’ Park and that’s what they want.

“It’s more a game of chess at this point instead of actually getting players in who can express themselves.

“It can’t be any worse than it is now. The football is not great. We’re losing every week anyway. As I said, I don’t blame Steve Bruce for that. I’ve always blamed the owner.”

Pundits often label Newcastle as wanting too much and questioning what do they expect under the owner and manager, but Lee explains it is very simple to understand.

Fans pay their money to go and watch Newcastle, they just want to be entertained and not bored for the entire match.

Former Premier League striker Dean Windass has exclusively told Football FanCast that he believes if Leeds were to sign reported target Patrick van Aanholt this summer, it would allow Stuart Dallas to play in his more natural position.

The Northern Ireland international is naturally a winger, but since replacing the injured Barry Douglas towards the end of the 2018-2019 campaign, has established himself as the the club’s number one left-back.

Such was his superb form throughout last season, Leeds allowed Douglas to join Blackburn on loan – with Dallas himself continuing to be one of their most consistent performers in the Premier League.

But as Leeds gear up for their second campaign back in the topflight, a host of names have already been linked with the Elland Road outfit this summer.

And with Leeds looking to improve their squad under Marcelo Bielsa, Dutchman van Aanholt, whose Crystal Palace deal expires this summer meaning he’ll available on a free, is one of many, especially with the Whites’ other recognised left-back Ezgjan Alioski strongly linked with Galatasaray.

Asked whether he could see van Aanholt joining Leeds, Windass told Football FanCast:

“Yes. You talk about Dallas, who’s done a fantastic job, but it’s square pegs round holes, he’s not a left-back. Yes he can play left-sided, but the energy he gives, he’s had an unbelievable season. Any club could take Dallas because you know how versatile he is.

“The lad from Palace is naturally a left-back and I’m sure that he won’t be the only one to sign for Leeds this summer.”

Speaking exclusively to Football FanCast this week, former Newcastle man Rob Lee has claimed that Dele Alli would be an ideal signing for the Magpies.

The Tottenham attacking midfielder has been out of Jose Mourinho’s plans for the vast majority of the season after failing to secure a move to PSG last summer.

A move to the Parisians looked to be on the cards in January too, but now it appears as though he could well stay in north London unless Spurs can find a replacement.

However, Newcastle are another suitor who have reportedly pondered a move for the England international.

That was something that Lee was quizzed on this week and when asked by FFC whether he’d be a good acquisition at St James’ Park, he commented:

“I’d love to see him at Newcastle. I think he’d be ideal. They need a creative player and they can have Wilson upfront with him (playing) off.”

Whether Steve Bruce’s side would be able to afford Alli’s wages is a point of debate as the England international, who is valued at £34.2m by Transfermarkt, is on a pretty hefty salary.

The 24-year-old currently earns £100,000 a week in London. That being said, if Newcastle have ambitions of improving their wretched 11-game streak without winning, they may need to bring these type of players to the northeast.

A further issue, meanwhile, is that Dele apparently isn’t too keen on the move himself. Consequently, it’s difficult to see this one going through before the transfer deadline passes on Monday, as much as Lee would like to see it happen.

The attacking midfielder has played just four times in the Premier League this season so if he’s to have any chance of making a late dash towards Gareth Southgate’s plans for the Euros, he will almost certainly need to find a move.

For Alli, he’d likely be a regular under Bruce. Perhaps he ought to rethink his decision of not fancying the Magpies in the closing days of the window?

AND in other news, Bruce should urge Newcastle swoop for £1.9k-p/w prospect, he could solve a key failing…

Manuel Lanzini stole the show against Crystal Palace on Wednesday night as David Moyes afforded the West Ham United midfielder a rare chance to feature.

The Argentine entered the action at the London Stadium as a half-time replacement for Pablo Fornals, with Moyes feeling the need to instil changes in midfield with Said Benrahma moving out to the wing.

Lanzini had only featured for 62 minutes in the Premier League over five brief cameo appearances before facing the Eagles, despite being named in all 13 of Moyes’ matchday squads thus far.

Moyes admitted recently that Lanzini is “not the number-one pick” in his midfield plans, and that he realises the competition for places is at such a level that opportunities to feature may come thin and far between.

“When I had him the first time, he was terrific. No doubt, the injury has had an impact on where he is in different ways, but I don’t see it as a reason for him not to get back to those levels,” the former Manchester United head coach said.

“His training has been improving and he’s got competition and he realises that. He’s not the number-one pick. When you’ve got competition the best thing you can do is do what he did the other night [against Tottenham Hotspur].

“You have come on, have an impact in the game and that’s the way you work your way back to it. There can be no guarantee given to any player, certainly not at West Ham at the moment.”

Lanzini lived up to Moyes’ mission statement and some more after entering the action at the break against Crystal Palace, with the £70,000-per-weekplaymaker boasting a 94% pass success rate with 34 accurate efforts from 36 – more than any player for either side in the second half, per WhoScored.

Only right-back Vladimir Coufal and his marauding forward runs resulted in more key balls, too, with the Czech Republic defender penning three to Lanzini’s two as the only Hammers to create chances in the final 45 minutes.

Lanzini was also the only player in the home side to attempt more than a single dribble, while aiding defensively with one clearance, yet stood out in attack with incisive passing far above what Fornals had been able to bring to the table.

Lanzini’s performance came at the perfect time for the 27-year-old, with reports claiming Moyes is open to selling him in the upcoming January window yet West Ham have received no offers to date.

AND in other news, a rarely-seen West Ham titan who “has a long way to go” is emerging as an emergency solution for a Premier League big hitter.

Liverpool have recently been credited with an interest in RB Salzburg striker Patson Daka and the Zambian could prove to be the Reds’ next Sadio Mane.

What’s the word?

According to the Express, West Ham have been offered the chance to sign the forward for just £25 million this month and the report also suggests that he is a target for Liverpool and Arsenal, whilst Spurs have been linked with him in the past.

The Reds were certainly in the market for a pacy striker such as Daka during the summer transfer window, as they were heavily linked with Timo Werner before his move to Chelsea, so if they were to sign the 22-year-old Salzburg man, he could add a different dimension to Jurgen Klopp’s attack.

Klopp’s next Mane?

Daka, who can also play on either wing, has admitted previously that he wants to emulate fellow African stars, Mohamed Salah, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Mane, so he clearly holds the Senegalese international in high regard.

He also mentioned the former Southampton man, as well as Naby Keita and Takumi Minamino, as players who have featured for RB Salzburg before going on to bigger things, so perhaps we could see the Reds benefit again by signing Daka from the Austrian side.

Certainly, his goal record in the past two seasons suggests that he is ready to make the step up, as he has managed 49 goals and 20 assists in just 100 appearances for Salzburg in his career thus far.

Last season saw him impressively hit 24 goals and eight assists in 31 league appearances, and he is well on track to beat that total this season, having managed eight goals and three assists in just eight appearances in the Austrian Bundesliga so far this campaign.

Considering he is valued at £18 million, Liverpool paying £25 million for him this month seems a fair price, especially when you take into account his exceptional start to the 2020/21 season.

The Reds’ decision to sign Mane from Southampton for £34 million in 2016 certainly proved to be a good one, as he has 90 goals and 34 assists for the Merseyside club in the four and a half years since.

Football manager Herve Renard is certainly a big fan of Daka, and sung his praises in 2020, saying:

“It’s a modern, fast-paced centre [forward] that is able to make an effort and make a difference because he is skilful and has a sense of movement. You really have to write down his name, because he’s very, very promising.”

Therefore, Michael Edwards should part ways with the £25 million required to sign Daka this month, as he looks destined for a great future in the game and could be a huge success in this Liverpool side.

And, in other news… Edwards must swoop for £90m-rated LFC target after he provided seven key passes in one game

Steve Bruce is facing a defensive injury crisis at Newcastle United as he prepares to host Southampton in the Premier League on Saturday.

The Toon are looking to claim a first win at St. James’ Park in 2021 having last claimed all three points on home soil against West Bromwich Albion, when Dwight Gayle headed in an 82nd-minute winner on December 12.

United have lost three of the following five on Tyneside following consecutive defeats to Leicester City, Leeds United and Crystal Palace since the turn of the year, but have won each of their past three meetings with the Saints played in the North East.

So, as Bruce aims to avoid two defeats at St. James’ Park in the space of four days, here’s a potential line-up the Magpies could field against Southampton as they deal with a raft of injury concerns…

Bruce has confirmed that Newcastle will be without captain Jamaal Lascelles on Saturday due to a hamstring injury, while Federico Fernandez will be missing as he still continues to feel the effects caused by Covid-19.

Jamal Lewis is also a doubt with a hamstring injury and could be joined on the sidelines by Paul Dummett, potentially leaving the £8.5m-rated Matt Ritchie as United’s only fit and available option for the left-back spot.

Ciaran Clark could play beside Fabian Schar in the core of the Toon defence but his situation is uncertain after his partner went into labour, which may force Bruce into fielding Isaac Hayden in front of Karl Darlow’s net if the Republic of Ireland international cannot feature.

Should Hayden not be needed in defence, the Arsenal product will be expected to line up beside Jonjo Shelvey in the engine room.

Bruce should be expected to axe Jeff Hendrick after fans were left irate by his midweek performance in defeat to Crystal Palace, yet his removal may not create an opening for Deadline Day signing Joe Willock to make his Newcastle debut after joining on loan.

Ryan Fraser, Miguel Almiron and Callum Wilson all delivered promising performances against the Eagles on Tuesday night, so will feel hard done by to fall out of the side with Bruce hinting at a starting role for Allan Saint-Maximin.

“Well, we obviously hope so,” Bruce said, via quotes by Chronicle Live, when asked Saint-Maximin would start against Southampton on Saturday. “We’ll keep protecting him.

“That’s another half an hour now [against Crystal Palace], so he’s had probably four half-hours. He’s getting his fitness levels back up – it’s always that difficult one, but he’s starting to show signs that he’s ready to start.”

Fraser provided a game-high seven key passes against Roy Hodgson’s Eagles in midweek, almost half of Newcastle’s tally of 15 as a side and more than double the amount of the next-most creative player in Crystal Palace’s Eberechi Eze (3), per WhoScored.

Wilson also took a joint game-high four shots on Tuesday night, and may count himself unlucky to have not built on his 10-goal haul for the Premier League campaign after assisting Jonjo Shelvey in the second minute.

AND in other news, Steve Bruce should make Joe Willock wait for his Newcastle debut and unleash a “bright spark” on Southampton…